Everyone's a leader. Whether you choose to be or not. You're always leading.
I've been thinking about Joshua.
Follow me here for a little background:
- God came to Abram (Abraham) (close to 800 yrs before Joshua), and told him he would be the father of many nations. Gen 12
- Abraham had Isaac, Isaac had Jacob (& Esau), Jacob had the 12 sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Nephtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph and Benjamin.
- The 12 sons later became the Patriarchs by which the 12 tribes of Judah were named.
- Joseph by God's providence was sold to some Ishmalites. Gen. 37
- The Lord's grace was upon Joseph and He bacame, many years later, second in command to the King Pharaoh, because he could interpret dreams. He was able to tell Pharaoh that they were going to experience 7yrs of plenty and 7 yrs of famine. Gen. 41
- After the brothers found Joseph they went back to tell their father, whose name was once Jacob-Now it's Israel, the Lord visited Israel and told him to take everything he had with all of his descendants into the land of Egypt and the Lord would preserve his family and decendants there. (Gen. 46)
- Because the Famine was So great the Israelites had nothing left to buy food with. Out of Joseph's idea they sold themselves to Pharaoh to work the land so they could have food. (Gen. 47:13-26)
- Thus, Israel is enslaved for the next 400-500yrs.
- God called Moses, an Israelite adopted by Pharaoh's Daughter (an Egyptian), to lead the Israelites out of captivity. (Exodus 1-12)
- The Israelites spent 40yrs in the desert - daily dependant on God's providing for survival. Fed with Manna, Led by a cloud during the day and fire by night. That's kinda Awesome if you ask me. Saw the Red Sea and the Jordan River Parted to dry ground. Saw water pour from a rock.
- Moses Died - Was not allowed to enter the promised land.
- Enter Joshua... Joshua 1
....a link to Part 2....
stopping by to leave you some comment love. This is a wonderful series you are starting...I am your new follower because I want to come back and read the rest of your series! :)
ReplyDeleteblessings,
melody
Thanks for the love Melody :)
ReplyDeleteCalled to lead! Yes, each of us, somewhere there is a position open for us to fill. For some it is to a larger audience, and for others it is simply writing a blog telling our stories, or encouraging others. Many in the Bible were hesitant, and gave their reasons why not to lead. God always won in the final out come. I hope I do not argue with God when He shows me a spot to fill. How about you?
ReplyDeleteThis timeline just goes to show you that God has a plan in mind all along -- he knows his path for us, even long before we are born.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness Michelle, I know Right?!?! God's providence is All Over This!!! It blew my mind how your post today goes right along with the direction Part 2 heads!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up with me. I love having the background to biblical stories atit makes them mean so much more.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading the timeline up to Joshua. Good times and leaders, wilderness times -- and God has a man -- He always has a man.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great teaching 'leading up' to Joshua. Context is so critical to gain the deeper understanding of God's word - and I think we too often leave it out! Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteI love studying the Old Testament...Moses, Joshua, Joseph, David, Esther, Ruth, etc etc etc! :) Particulary when it was time for Joshua to "arise and cross over"...I did a 2 part study on this a few months ago. Looking forward to reading your thoughts!
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